The history of the star: Dorsum

Dorsum is from Latin, "the back" because
of its position on the back of the Goat.

The Latin word dorsum is related
to the words; dorsal, dossier, and endorse.

The astrological influences of the constellation Capricornus

Legend: During their war with
the giants, the Gods were driven into Egypt and pursued by Typhon. In order to escape,
each was forced to change his shape, and Pan, leaping into the Nile, turned the
upper part of his body into a goat and the lower part into a fish, a shape considered
by Jupiter worthy of commemoration in the heavens. [Robson*,
p.35.]

Influences: Ptolemy's observations
are as follows: "The stars in the horns of
Capricorn have efficacy
similar to that of Venus, and partly to that of Mars. The stars in the mouth are
like Saturn, and partly like Venus: those in the feet and in the belly act in the
same manner as Mars and Mercury: those in the tail are like Saturn and Jupiter."
By the Kabalists this constellation is associated with the Hebrew letter Yod and
the 10th Tarot Trump "The Wheel of Fortune." [Robson*,
p.36.]

The constellation Capricorn has a great influence over human affairs
portending major changes in such areas as climate and political customs. Along
with the sign, the constellation is also noted as the "Mansion of Kings."
Unfavorably situated with regards to lunar eclipses, it indicates major storms,
especially at sea. [Fixed
Stars and Judicial Astrology, George Noonan, 1990, p.36.]

The astrological influences of the constellation
Capricorn given by
Manilius:

"In her shrine Vesta tends your fires,
Capricorn: and from
her you derive your skills and callings. For whatever needs fire to function and
demands a renewal of flame for its work must be counted as of your domain. To pry
for hidden metals, to smelt out riches deposited in the veins of the earth, to fold
sure-handed the malleable mass—these skills will come from you, as will aught which
is fashioned of silver or gold. That hot furnaces melt iron and bronze, and ovens
give to the wheat its final form, will come as gifts from you. You also give a fondness
for clothes and wares which dispel the cold, since your lot falls for all time in
winter's season, wherein you shorten the nights you have brought to their greatest
length and give birth to a new year by enlarging the daylight hours. Hence comes
a restless quality in their lives and a mind which is often changed and floats this
way and that; the first half of the sign is the slave of Venus, and that with guilt
involved, but a more virtuous old age is promised by the conjoined fish below." [Astronomica,
Manilius, 1st century AD, book 4, p.241.]

The astrological influences of the star Dorsum

With Sun or Mars: Danger of bites from
venomous creatures. [Robson*, p.164.]